Message in a bottle for Trevor, Installment 3

My aunt Sarah’s dark blue eyes, exactly like my mom’s and mine, STARED at me. I thought they would be shining with joy and excitement at the stupendous offer we had just been given. A feeling of dread mounted as I sensed her refusal coming. If she said ‘no’ then it would be ‘tickets’, for she was as stubborn as my mom had been. Bill smoothly intervened.

‘Let’s not get too carried away people. This is a major decision and I think Sarah and Trevor need time to discuss this with whomsoever they like. Myra……us….. maybe even Olga!’ We all laughed as Olga the boxer pricked up her ears at her name and came and licked Bill as though agreeing with him.

‘Come and see my surfboard Trevor,’ chimed in Billy Bob. ‘I got a new one on our birthday. It’s amazing! Gary here, the computer nerd, opted for some fancy smancy PC.’ He cuffed his brother fondly on his shoulder and the 3 boys left the lapha and made their way to a garage at the back of the property.

‘Don’t you both surf,’ I asked curiously.
‘I do surf…………. sometimes,’ said Gary but my old board is good enough for me. I’ve not got my sights set on becoming the club champ.’ He cuffed his brother back a little harder so Billy Bob squeaked, ‘Ow man!’

I looked at the beautiful sleek board with reverence. It was truly magnificent. I stroked the blue and white pattern with a dolphin in its midst as something I would have chosen.

Billy Bob asked me,’ I don’t suppose you were able to bring a board with you Trev?’
‘No,’ I gasped, ‘I’m really a keen beginner, I’ve had a few lessons but I’ve only dreamed of a board like this!’
‘Well,’ Billy Bob replied, ‘I have my old board exactly the same as the one that Gary uses nowadays………..you can borrow it, any time you like.’ He saw my concern and added ‘there’s a surfing school on Saturday mornings where I go to train, and if you are any good they’ll help you along…..get you coached and stuff.’

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‘Actually,’ said Gary, ‘ I coach the beginners there sometimes and I can give you a tip or two any time you like. If you come to live here in The Cottage then our dad will take you with us………very early, 6am on Saturdays when the tide is right. It’s the best time of day in the summer,’ he added.

I’m sure I had a wacky, weird look on my face. Just thinking that within a week or so, I’d be out on the glorious waves I’d seen on Durban’s beautiful beaches, made my heart sing.

Then I remembered aunt Sarah’s strange expression on her face and my heart fell. What was the matter? Why was she feeling so negative? To me it was obvious………….’move in, the sooner the better. What was there not to like?’

That evening I overheard a conversation between Myra and Sarah in the kitchen as they put the last plates away off the drying rack. ‘But I barely know them Myra! I’m a cautious person and like to stand on my own two feet,’ she added tucking a length of escaping hair behind her ear.

‘But they seem so nice,’ Myra said, ‘and sincere,’ she added.

‘But can you trust these outgoing friendly people? How do you know how it will be 6 months down the line? I’d hate for Trevor to get his hopes up. He………we have suffered so much. Losing my sister, her husband and little Matty was ghastly. We simply cannot risk another setback.’

The two women stood silently in the kitchen. They turned to leave and Myra switched the light off.

A letter arrived by courier the next day. The car drew up to Myra's B ‘n B and she accepted it.

She brought it in and gave it to Sarah.’ Looks official and serious,’ she remarked with your name Sarah Dunlop in bold letters. Wonder what on earth it could be?’

‘My heart’s going ten to the dozen, who even knows us?’

She ripped open the envelope and her eyes scanned the letter quickly. ‘Oh my word Myra, read it out loud to us. Trevor,’ she called out loudly to where I was upstairs.

‘Dear Sarah and Trevor,’ she began as I settled beside my aunt on the couch.
‘I once took a chance on a stranger who offered to help me. It went against everything my grandfather had taught me, but the man persuaded me to trust him and today he is the CEO of the company where I work. He gave me a chance to become who I am today.
His name is Samson Browne of the Attorneys at Law, Browne Browne and Johnson. He would like to meet you, Myra and Trevor tomorrow for lunch at his office.
If you agree I will arrange for a driver to fetch you at 12.30. He has a wicked sense of humour so be prepared and Trevor, he is on the board of the school where Gary and Billy Bob go, JB High School for Boys.
He knows me through and through and will leave no stone unturned in your quest for clarity.

Jane and I understand your reticence in accepting our offer of a home to help you get started in your new life.
I do hope you agree to meet Sam Browne………..he’s a great guy, champion Durban surfer 20 years ago and still hits the waves on a Sunday afternoon with the boys and me.’
It was signed,
Bill.

‘No question, we’re going,’ announced Myra.

‘You ok with that Trevor, and you can close your mouth now Sarah,’ she added with a laugh.
‘Wear your lilac sundress Sarah and your high heeled sandals and that new denim shirt Trev and we’ll be just peachy.
We’re going Sarah,'repeated Myra as my aunt opened her mouth to say something. 'I’ve got the best feeling about this, Everyone in Durban North knows and respects that crowd of lawyers……and that’s saying something!’

My heart began to lift a little as I saw a look of acceptance cross aunt Sarah’s face.
‘Yes, I’ll wear the lilac dress, it’s just perfect weather for it,' she said lamely.

I camouflaged a deep sigh of relief and Myra gave me a surreptitious wink that I returned with a smile. The gnawing sense of insecurity still plagued my insides however and I didn't know whether to be sick with dread or be excited as Sarah picked up the phone to order the car for 12.30 on the following day.

See what happens in installment 4